Yesterday, one year ago, would have been the funeral for my five nieces and nephews. Some of my reflections:
One year ago...rudely awakened at 6 am with the awful news...God miraculously providing more than $5000 so our family could fly to the funeral...the LONG trip and the overwhelming emotions at finally being with my family...the struggle of knowing that God is a God of love...wondering what good could come from this tragedy...the stark imbedded picture in my mind of a yawning grave in a new cemetery and five little caskets...observing the grace of God being poured out in abundance in the lives of my brother and his wife...waiting for new news of Jeff's recovery...the huge void of our first family reunion...the many tears that have continued to course down our cheeks...was it only one year ago???!!!
And some comments from my sisters:
"...it's been kinda a week of remembering." --Gina"
...I ran to Chewelah to get the flowers Carolyn had requested for thegraves. Such beautiful flowers....As I took the flowers up to the graves,something in me wanted to whisper, "they're from Mommy and Daddy." Therewere other flowers on the graves as well. Obviously there are others whocare." --Sara"
...As I pondered the events of a year ago, it tugged on my heart to send myhusband off to work and my two boys to school this morning. If you lovesomeone, tell them today. We never know if it will be the last chance wehave to do that." --Esther
Yes, it's been a tough time for me personally. It isn't easy facing anniversaries of such times. Continue to pray for Jeffs. I know it can't be an easy time for them. My prayer is not only that God would bring them continued comfort, but that He would begin filling their hearts with JOY!!!
One year ago...rudely awakened at 6 am with the awful news...God miraculously providing more than $5000 so our family could fly to the funeral...the LONG trip and the overwhelming emotions at finally being with my family...the struggle of knowing that God is a God of love...wondering what good could come from this tragedy...the stark imbedded picture in my mind of a yawning grave in a new cemetery and five little caskets...observing the grace of God being poured out in abundance in the lives of my brother and his wife...waiting for new news of Jeff's recovery...the huge void of our first family reunion...the many tears that have continued to course down our cheeks...was it only one year ago???!!!
And some comments from my sisters:
"...it's been kinda a week of remembering." --Gina"
...I ran to Chewelah to get the flowers Carolyn had requested for thegraves. Such beautiful flowers....As I took the flowers up to the graves,something in me wanted to whisper, "they're from Mommy and Daddy." Therewere other flowers on the graves as well. Obviously there are others whocare." --Sara"
...As I pondered the events of a year ago, it tugged on my heart to send myhusband off to work and my two boys to school this morning. If you lovesomeone, tell them today. We never know if it will be the last chance wehave to do that." --Esther
Yes, it's been a tough time for me personally. It isn't easy facing anniversaries of such times. Continue to pray for Jeffs. I know it can't be an easy time for them. My prayer is not only that God would bring them continued comfort, but that He would begin filling their hearts with JOY!!!
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Ps. the last clear recollection I have of both of them would be when they were both around 8-10 years old. That makes me feel ancient. :)
Just wanted to pop in and wish you a blessed Thanksgiving...even though I know it's not Thanksgiving in Poland. God bless you richly and hold you close in His everlasting arms.
Iain